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Royal Wedding #3
How to Catch a Prince
Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.
Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.
But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife's appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.
Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.
But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife's appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.
347 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
160 people are currently reading
3795 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hauck
72 books4,470 followersNew York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.
The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio
She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.
Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
www.rachelhauck.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
May 30, 2019
.
Prince Nathaniel Kenneth Stratton, "Nate Kenneth Stratton for traveling purposes of Brighton is visiting in Georgia, contemplating his life and the changes that will occur when his father succumbs to cancer in the near future. All Suzanna Truitt ever wanted was to find her one true love. Having waited on her high school sweetheart's discharge from the military for 12 years, she was shocked with a startling revelation that blew her carefully planned life out of the water.
Nate and Suzanna just happen to meet under Lover's Oak tree on the same night she lost her longtime beau. Or was it really happenstance? Nathanial returns home to strict regulations, contention, and demanding expectations. However, he left his heart behind and everyone around him notices. So when an invitation to the coronation is sent without consulting the incoming King, heads are turned, lines are drawn, and hopes fall short. If at first, you don't succeed, try and try again. Then, maybe . . . I don't want to add any more that may spoil the storyline.
Drawing aside the sheers, Campbell watched the midnight snowfall drift through the palace lights. Silent, peaceful, magical . . . changing the world without a sound. could she do the same for her son? Guide him toward a peaceful future in silence ..... he was lovesick, everyone around him could see it ...
This is a modern day fairy tale and keeps the reader intrigued, captivated, and entertained from page one all way through to the conclusion. The trust and faith that the two main characters demonstrate as Christians are amazing and carry them through many tough times.
Aurora whispered: "You have small, small faith . . . but you are going to a palace . . . He is your prince! . . Don't forget your shoes . . . Remember the shoes! -- Shoes of peace, shoes of joy, shoes of (fade out) . . . He is in control! ... Who? - the Lord of course! -- You told the Lord you were available, it will all work out.
This is an awesome collection of Christian - Romance stories by Rachel Hauck. These books don't preach, but they do reflect the character's faith that reaches beyond the realm we reside in. Each story is based on a different set of characters, which include some overlapping characters and places. However, each volume is clean and wholesome, conclude with a H.E.A., and easily stand on their own. However, they are even more magical if you read the entire series!
I've rated all three with FIVE STARS! They are captivating, compelling, and fun to read! The characters are so believable and the books are long enough to allow growth and depth.
Prince Nathaniel Kenneth Stratton, "Nate Kenneth Stratton for traveling purposes of Brighton is visiting in Georgia, contemplating his life and the changes that will occur when his father succumbs to cancer in the near future. All Suzanna Truitt ever wanted was to find her one true love. Having waited on her high school sweetheart's discharge from the military for 12 years, she was shocked with a startling revelation that blew her carefully planned life out of the water.
Nate and Suzanna just happen to meet under Lover's Oak tree on the same night she lost her longtime beau. Or was it really happenstance? Nathanial returns home to strict regulations, contention, and demanding expectations. However, he left his heart behind and everyone around him notices. So when an invitation to the coronation is sent without consulting the incoming King, heads are turned, lines are drawn, and hopes fall short. If at first, you don't succeed, try and try again. Then, maybe . . . I don't want to add any more that may spoil the storyline.
Drawing aside the sheers, Campbell watched the midnight snowfall drift through the palace lights. Silent, peaceful, magical . . . changing the world without a sound. could she do the same for her son? Guide him toward a peaceful future in silence ..... he was lovesick, everyone around him could see it ...
This is a modern day fairy tale and keeps the reader intrigued, captivated, and entertained from page one all way through to the conclusion. The trust and faith that the two main characters demonstrate as Christians are amazing and carry them through many tough times.
Aurora whispered: "You have small, small faith . . . but you are going to a palace . . . He is your prince! . . Don't forget your shoes . . . Remember the shoes! -- Shoes of peace, shoes of joy, shoes of (fade out) . . . He is in control! ... Who? - the Lord of course! -- You told the Lord you were available, it will all work out.
This is an awesome collection of Christian - Romance stories by Rachel Hauck. These books don't preach, but they do reflect the character's faith that reaches beyond the realm we reside in. Each story is based on a different set of characters, which include some overlapping characters and places. However, each volume is clean and wholesome, conclude with a H.E.A., and easily stand on their own. However, they are even more magical if you read the entire series!
I've rated all three with FIVE STARS! They are captivating, compelling, and fun to read! The characters are so believable and the books are long enough to allow growth and depth.
October 18, 2018
1 star
The sweet romance of this story was clouded by the confusion that wasted about two hundred pages. While Prince Stephen started out great and tormented with potential for a wonderful journey, he quickly fell into a circuitous rut that waffled between “I’m married, but I want an annulment” and “I love her and I want to kiss her lips off.” Seriously, for over two hundred pages, that’s all the thinking he did. Oh, and regretting his past. But he didn’t do anything through that time to face his past, conquer his fears, tell the girl anything about how he felt or what was bugging him. Even his charity work fell flat for me, because he had slipped into being one-dimensional, with barely a couple of Xeroxed ideas floating through his tortured mind. The plot, therefore, seemed purposefully drawn out just so that the big reveal and breakup would happen at the right time in the story.
Then there was the confusion about what genre this book was. I thought it was supposed to be contemporary romance. It seemed like that for a while. All of a sudden, magical buildings and items and people showed up… so did this book change its mind and decide to be high fantasy? Whatever it was, those rather large portions came off as unrealistic and in need of a major reality check. When the Manor showed up, my interest in the book disappeared. I don’t buy into the whole “God answers prayers by doing magic” sort of thing. That’s like thinking God’s a genie in a bottle, willing to grant you only three wishes. My God is so much bigger than magic tricks, and I don’t appreciate stories that attempt to strip His power away (not that that’s even a possibility).
There were crazy inconsistencies too. One guy’s name changed four times. I didn’t make note of the others (because I already had enough fodder for my review), but my mind whirled with how many fairly hefty inconsistencies there were.
Two times, there were homosexual comments. Those just have no place in Christian fiction. They are not funny, y’all. They are “coarse jests,” which, according to Ephesians 5:3-5, we are to “let [them] not even be named among [us].” Let alone featured in our books… even if it is only as two little ol’ lines. Those “little ol’ lines” can kill an entire book’s message.
What are the odds that two Georgians and a Floridian fall in love with royal princes or are declared long-lost princesses? I don’t know the numbers myself, but I’m telling you, they must be infinitesimal. Yet, that’s exactly what has happened through the first three books in the Royal Wedding series. Talk about being unbelievable! I’m just not sure how I’m supposed to keep rooting for these people who somehow stumble into the stars… when it took many, many scientific and mathematical minds loads of work hours and incredible sacrifices to crank out the mathematical algorithms to create space shuttles and flight paths and down-to-the-nitty-gritty details in order to send highly-trained astronauts to outer space, the moon, fly among those stars I recently mentioned, and return home again. Am I really supposed to believe that regular, everyday folks will somehow—magically even—discover that the guy at university is really a prince or that one of us might actually be the long-lost heir to a secret little country… just in the nick of time to save the country from being swallowed up by a bigger country? That hard work and sweat and tears and blood shouldn’t go into a person’s life journey? I can’t buy into that mindset. Not when so many have come before who have given their very lives to gain even an ounce of better-ness for their families and the rest of us. Not when Jesus Himself gave His life to restore mine.
On a happier note, I did appreciate and connect with the message of "loving well" found throughout the second half of this book. I think it got a little lost in the magical, unbelievable aspects of the story, but that message is one that rang true. I think loving well is a great goal in life, and I’m glad that message was a part of this novel.
Content: replacement expletives, expletive and profane phrases (at least one each), crude sexual comment, homosexual comments.
I really wanted to love this book, this series. The premise was cute and seemed like it would be a fun, lighthearted read. A great adventure. I’m sure many readers will see it that way, but sadly, I could not.
The sweet romance of this story was clouded by the confusion that wasted about two hundred pages. While Prince Stephen started out great and tormented with potential for a wonderful journey, he quickly fell into a circuitous rut that waffled between “I’m married, but I want an annulment” and “I love her and I want to kiss her lips off.” Seriously, for over two hundred pages, that’s all the thinking he did. Oh, and regretting his past. But he didn’t do anything through that time to face his past, conquer his fears, tell the girl anything about how he felt or what was bugging him. Even his charity work fell flat for me, because he had slipped into being one-dimensional, with barely a couple of Xeroxed ideas floating through his tortured mind. The plot, therefore, seemed purposefully drawn out just so that the big reveal and breakup would happen at the right time in the story.
Then there was the confusion about what genre this book was. I thought it was supposed to be contemporary romance. It seemed like that for a while. All of a sudden, magical buildings and items and people showed up… so did this book change its mind and decide to be high fantasy? Whatever it was, those rather large portions came off as unrealistic and in need of a major reality check. When the Manor showed up, my interest in the book disappeared. I don’t buy into the whole “God answers prayers by doing magic” sort of thing. That’s like thinking God’s a genie in a bottle, willing to grant you only three wishes. My God is so much bigger than magic tricks, and I don’t appreciate stories that attempt to strip His power away (not that that’s even a possibility).
There were crazy inconsistencies too. One guy’s name changed four times. I didn’t make note of the others (because I already had enough fodder for my review), but my mind whirled with how many fairly hefty inconsistencies there were.
Two times, there were homosexual comments. Those just have no place in Christian fiction. They are not funny, y’all. They are “coarse jests,” which, according to Ephesians 5:3-5, we are to “let [them] not even be named among [us].” Let alone featured in our books… even if it is only as two little ol’ lines. Those “little ol’ lines” can kill an entire book’s message.
What are the odds that two Georgians and a Floridian fall in love with royal princes or are declared long-lost princesses? I don’t know the numbers myself, but I’m telling you, they must be infinitesimal. Yet, that’s exactly what has happened through the first three books in the Royal Wedding series. Talk about being unbelievable! I’m just not sure how I’m supposed to keep rooting for these people who somehow stumble into the stars… when it took many, many scientific and mathematical minds loads of work hours and incredible sacrifices to crank out the mathematical algorithms to create space shuttles and flight paths and down-to-the-nitty-gritty details in order to send highly-trained astronauts to outer space, the moon, fly among those stars I recently mentioned, and return home again. Am I really supposed to believe that regular, everyday folks will somehow—magically even—discover that the guy at university is really a prince or that one of us might actually be the long-lost heir to a secret little country… just in the nick of time to save the country from being swallowed up by a bigger country? That hard work and sweat and tears and blood shouldn’t go into a person’s life journey? I can’t buy into that mindset. Not when so many have come before who have given their very lives to gain even an ounce of better-ness for their families and the rest of us. Not when Jesus Himself gave His life to restore mine.
On a happier note, I did appreciate and connect with the message of "loving well" found throughout the second half of this book. I think it got a little lost in the magical, unbelievable aspects of the story, but that message is one that rang true. I think loving well is a great goal in life, and I’m glad that message was a part of this novel.
Content: replacement expletives, expletive and profane phrases (at least one each), crude sexual comment, homosexual comments.
I really wanted to love this book, this series. The premise was cute and seemed like it would be a fun, lighthearted read. A great adventure. I’m sure many readers will see it that way, but sadly, I could not.
December 5, 2018
Ok. I actually *super* enjoyed the end to this trilogy, which surprised me as I felt as though I was sitting on the fence for the first two books in the series. Though you could tell how the story was going to end from the very beginning, the way the plot moved to stop the reader from getting there too quickly was extremely clever. I just wish the first two books were more on this level.
April 8, 2021
On my list of most-anticipated 2015 releases, the arrival of this book is all kinds of exciting. It’s the final in a series of books that may appear to be no more than fluffy romances. I’m here to deflate that mindset or at least to give it a go. These are really much more than just a happily-ever-after.
STORY: Corina Del Ray is grieving. Her twin brother’s death shattered her family and now they are a shell of what they used to be. She’s trying to move on after a move to Florida and pursuing her journalism career, but everything about her past comes right back to the surface when Prince Stephen finds her. Married in secret to the prince once upon a time, Corina is shocked to learn that they are still married. The marriage was never annulled. In America at the order of his brother, Stephen is not completely over events of the past either. Stumbling in his rugby career, Stephen feels lost while recovering from an injury. The weight of a secret he still carries and coupled with seeing the woman who still owns his heart isn’t helping.
________________________________________
How to Catch a Prince, by Rachel Hauck | Book Review
________________________________________
I can still remember when this series made it debut and some readers feeling skeptical about its premise. Fairytale lover I am, likely I just had stars in my eyes as I consumed that first book. Disappointment is not a word I associate with this series. The final book follows that same path. Beautiful covers translate to an exquisite story, waiting inside. The resounding theme in How to Catch a Prince is Corina’s conviction to not give up in the stoic face of defeat but instead to love well. Any of the falling-in-love after marriage stories that I’ve read have been favorites. This one is no different. Beautifully told, this book is easily one of my very favorite contemporaries. The romance is so much richer because of the past these character’s share.
Secrets do play a pivotal part in the story, however in spite of what the normal clichés would have us believe, the eventual reveal doesn’t end the same way most do. Naturally there is separation, yet it’s not because of an I-don’t-ever-want-to-see-you-again meltdown. The amount of books that play this card is exhausting. Instead, Hauck has a classier solution and it makes the eventual reunion all the more rewarding and emotionally healthy. If you’ve read about this book and recognize Stephen, you’d be right. He’s the brother of King Nathanial from book one. Because of this, we get to hang out with our favorite King and wife, Susannah, which is lovely. Stephen and Corina have their own love story, and how it evolves, grows and changes doesn't let the past define it, but rather the present.
All that’s left to say is, go forth and read How to Catch a Prince.
Bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to this world, these books are not ones I’ll easily give up. They’re enchanting, romantic and each couple’s love story is poignant and purposeful. Stephen had to learn how to forgive himself before he could love his wife without regrets. The challenge for Corina was moving on and healing so that she could love well.
Each vignette is beautiful, and if ever there’s a story that “comes off the pages,” I do believe this is it.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
STORY: Corina Del Ray is grieving. Her twin brother’s death shattered her family and now they are a shell of what they used to be. She’s trying to move on after a move to Florida and pursuing her journalism career, but everything about her past comes right back to the surface when Prince Stephen finds her. Married in secret to the prince once upon a time, Corina is shocked to learn that they are still married. The marriage was never annulled. In America at the order of his brother, Stephen is not completely over events of the past either. Stumbling in his rugby career, Stephen feels lost while recovering from an injury. The weight of a secret he still carries and coupled with seeing the woman who still owns his heart isn’t helping.
________________________________________
How to Catch a Prince, by Rachel Hauck | Book Review
________________________________________
I can still remember when this series made it debut and some readers feeling skeptical about its premise. Fairytale lover I am, likely I just had stars in my eyes as I consumed that first book. Disappointment is not a word I associate with this series. The final book follows that same path. Beautiful covers translate to an exquisite story, waiting inside. The resounding theme in How to Catch a Prince is Corina’s conviction to not give up in the stoic face of defeat but instead to love well. Any of the falling-in-love after marriage stories that I’ve read have been favorites. This one is no different. Beautifully told, this book is easily one of my very favorite contemporaries. The romance is so much richer because of the past these character’s share.
Secrets do play a pivotal part in the story, however in spite of what the normal clichés would have us believe, the eventual reveal doesn’t end the same way most do. Naturally there is separation, yet it’s not because of an I-don’t-ever-want-to-see-you-again meltdown. The amount of books that play this card is exhausting. Instead, Hauck has a classier solution and it makes the eventual reunion all the more rewarding and emotionally healthy. If you’ve read about this book and recognize Stephen, you’d be right. He’s the brother of King Nathanial from book one. Because of this, we get to hang out with our favorite King and wife, Susannah, which is lovely. Stephen and Corina have their own love story, and how it evolves, grows and changes doesn't let the past define it, but rather the present.
All that’s left to say is, go forth and read How to Catch a Prince.
Bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to this world, these books are not ones I’ll easily give up. They’re enchanting, romantic and each couple’s love story is poignant and purposeful. Stephen had to learn how to forgive himself before he could love his wife without regrets. The challenge for Corina was moving on and healing so that she could love well.
Each vignette is beautiful, and if ever there’s a story that “comes off the pages,” I do believe this is it.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
December 10, 2015
So...I loved the premise–and REALLY loved the characters! So why the low rating?
Two things took away a star each because they were huge to me. First: what drew me in and made me fall in love with the first book was how "real" it seemed despite the invented country–like it really could have happened just exactly that way. That sense of reality slipped a bit in the second book, with unexplained happenings like a glow in the sky and a barn that was only visible to the good guys and not the plundering Nazis of two generations before; but it was still mostly believable. This book takes a huge leap into the mythical, with Corina staying in a nonexistent hotel, even! What? I'm not a fantasy reader, because I like fiction to have that classic "could-have-actually-happened" quality. I kept popping out of my characters' heads to digest the bits of fantasy, and it jarred.
Second, WHO forgot to hire the editor?? I kept thinking somehow I'd gotten my hands on an unfinished ARC, but no; it has every evidence of being the final copy. This reads like a free ebook. Missing periods (20+), interchangeable words (who's/whose, reign/rein, might/mite, etc), run-on sentences, and even missing quotation marks (15+)!! My mental red-pen was reeling by the time I slogged through all the errors. I don't understand why the publisher would print an unfinished proof-quality book, especially not in a series that has sold pretty well. It drove me absolutely batty.
Two things took away a star each because they were huge to me. First: what drew me in and made me fall in love with the first book was how "real" it seemed despite the invented country–like it really could have happened just exactly that way. That sense of reality slipped a bit in the second book, with unexplained happenings like a glow in the sky and a barn that was only visible to the good guys and not the plundering Nazis of two generations before; but it was still mostly believable. This book takes a huge leap into the mythical, with Corina staying in a nonexistent hotel, even! What? I'm not a fantasy reader, because I like fiction to have that classic "could-have-actually-happened" quality. I kept popping out of my characters' heads to digest the bits of fantasy, and it jarred.
Second, WHO forgot to hire the editor?? I kept thinking somehow I'd gotten my hands on an unfinished ARC, but no; it has every evidence of being the final copy. This reads like a free ebook. Missing periods (20+), interchangeable words (who's/whose, reign/rein, might/mite, etc), run-on sentences, and even missing quotation marks (15+)!! My mental red-pen was reeling by the time I slogged through all the errors. I don't understand why the publisher would print an unfinished proof-quality book, especially not in a series that has sold pretty well. It drove me absolutely batty.
January 28, 2015
Rachel Hauck writes what I call supernatural romance. Or spiritual fairytales. Whatever you call them, her books are rich romances with strong spiritual truths woven through the story in such an organic way I can't imagine the stories without them. How to Catch a Prince is no different.
In this story, a series of secrets has kept Corina and Stephen apart while also binding them together. The future seems settled until the whisper "Love well" breathes across Corina's heart. The tension pulls them together and thrusts them apart while the past forms a barrier that seems insurmountable.
Love well.
It's an urging that resonates. What does it mean to love well? How does one do it? This novel whispers at the power of the concept while issuing a challenge wrapped in a romance that is laced with attraction, desire, and secrets dark enough to keep them apart forever.
This book is perfect for those who love modern fairytales and a book with rich spiritual threads. Think grown up Princess Diaries.
In this story, a series of secrets has kept Corina and Stephen apart while also binding them together. The future seems settled until the whisper "Love well" breathes across Corina's heart. The tension pulls them together and thrusts them apart while the past forms a barrier that seems insurmountable.
Love well.
It's an urging that resonates. What does it mean to love well? How does one do it? This novel whispers at the power of the concept while issuing a challenge wrapped in a romance that is laced with attraction, desire, and secrets dark enough to keep them apart forever.
This book is perfect for those who love modern fairytales and a book with rich spiritual threads. Think grown up Princess Diaries.
November 30, 2014
I am an avowed Rachel Hauck fan -- and she did not disappoint me in How to Catch a Prince. Yes, this is a royal romance novel, but Hauck has a way of making it so much more. She weaves in elements of faith, fairytale, and a tangible touch of the divine, creating a story that both charmed and challenged me. With two words -- "love well" -- Hauck deepened the significance of the romance between Corinna and Stephen. How to Catch a Prince is a beautiful example of how relationships are affected by the choices we make.
July 6, 2017
About this book:
“An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever?
American heiress Corina Del Rey caught her prince once. But the tragedy of war kept her too long in a fog of grief. Now she’s shifting her life forward, reigniting her career as a journalist. Still, nothing can relieve her of the secret and the love she carries in her soul.
Prince Stephen of Brighton is one of the world’s most eligible bachelors and a star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life. His days in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Command will mark him forever. And he can’t shake their dark shadow.
But when his brother, King Nathaniel, confronts him with a document the prince thought long buried and forgotten, Stephen is forced to face the pain of his past and the love he left behind.
With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?”
Series: Book #3 in the “Royal Wedding” series. {I have read book #1 and #2, but have not reviewed them on here.}
Spiritual Content- Talks about God, letting go, Him caring & being worthy; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Church going; Prayers; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; Witnessing; Tower bells and singing; Thinking that someone might be not from this world (from Heaven); Corina’s parents stopped going to church after her brother died; Corina has a pretty strong Faith; Since returning from Afghanistan, Stephan has doubts about a kind, loving God. *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*
*Note: “even the nightmares of h*ll were not strong enough to resist it.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘heck’, a ‘hush’, a ‘son of a gun’, a ‘sucker’, two ‘freaking’s, two ‘oh my word’s, two ‘shoot’s, two ‘stupid’s, three ‘blasted’s, three ‘darn’s, three ‘idiot’s, three forms of ‘shut up’, four ‘oh my gosh’s, and five ‘blimey’s; Stephan swears under his breath once (Not written); Blood, war & an explosion (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of smoking & drinking; A mention of a married couple separating.
*Note: Mentions of Celebrities (Par*s Hilton, Kardashian, Bill Cl*nton, Bush twins, St*ven Tyler) and Doctor Wh*.
Sexual Content- nine semi-detailed kisses and five detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss & almost kissing (semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & Touching (semi-detailed); Staring & Noticing (semi-detailed); Flirting; A guy is called yummy; a ‘sexy’ and eight ‘babe’s; “Corina was a goody-two-shoes. How? Gigi would never know. The girl ran with the likes of Paris Hilton when they were teens and never once got busted for drinking, smoking or s*x taping.”; eight mentions of love making or a honeymoon; A mention of trying for a baby; A mention of a gay lover; A mention of an affair (no details); A baby was born out of wedlock (the woman says they “did things backwards.”) Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Corina Del Ray, age 30
-(Prince) Stephan Stratton, age 31
P.O.V. switches between them & Gigi
368 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Ahh. There’s just something about royals that pikes my interest. Maybe it’s the fact I’m American and we obviously don’t have royalty. (Shout out to those reading this blog outside of the USA! :D ) Miss Rachel Hauck has written some fun novels for the “Royal Weddings” series (which I still haven’t posted my review of Book number one or two. *sigh*) and while the kisses got to be a bit much, the couple kissing were technically married. So it depends on what your opinion is of that. The Spiritual content at the end made my rating little higher. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this ebook for free from the Author for this review.
“An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever?
American heiress Corina Del Rey caught her prince once. But the tragedy of war kept her too long in a fog of grief. Now she’s shifting her life forward, reigniting her career as a journalist. Still, nothing can relieve her of the secret and the love she carries in her soul.
Prince Stephen of Brighton is one of the world’s most eligible bachelors and a star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life. His days in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Command will mark him forever. And he can’t shake their dark shadow.
But when his brother, King Nathaniel, confronts him with a document the prince thought long buried and forgotten, Stephen is forced to face the pain of his past and the love he left behind.
With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?”
Series: Book #3 in the “Royal Wedding” series. {I have read book #1 and #2, but have not reviewed them on here.}
Spiritual Content- Talks about God, letting go, Him caring & being worthy; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Church going; Prayers; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; Witnessing; Tower bells and singing; Thinking that someone might be not from this world (from Heaven); Corina’s parents stopped going to church after her brother died; Corina has a pretty strong Faith; Since returning from Afghanistan, Stephan has doubts about a kind, loving God. *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*
*Note: “even the nightmares of h*ll were not strong enough to resist it.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘heck’, a ‘hush’, a ‘son of a gun’, a ‘sucker’, two ‘freaking’s, two ‘oh my word’s, two ‘shoot’s, two ‘stupid’s, three ‘blasted’s, three ‘darn’s, three ‘idiot’s, three forms of ‘shut up’, four ‘oh my gosh’s, and five ‘blimey’s; Stephan swears under his breath once (Not written); Blood, war & an explosion (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of smoking & drinking; A mention of a married couple separating.
*Note: Mentions of Celebrities (Par*s Hilton, Kardashian, Bill Cl*nton, Bush twins, St*ven Tyler) and Doctor Wh*.
Sexual Content- nine semi-detailed kisses and five detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss & almost kissing (semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & Touching (semi-detailed); Staring & Noticing (semi-detailed); Flirting; A guy is called yummy; a ‘sexy’ and eight ‘babe’s; “Corina was a goody-two-shoes. How? Gigi would never know. The girl ran with the likes of Paris Hilton when they were teens and never once got busted for drinking, smoking or s*x taping.”; eight mentions of love making or a honeymoon; A mention of trying for a baby; A mention of a gay lover; A mention of an affair (no details); A baby was born out of wedlock (the woman says they “did things backwards.”) Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
-Corina Del Ray, age 30
-(Prince) Stephan Stratton, age 31
P.O.V. switches between them & Gigi
368 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Ahh. There’s just something about royals that pikes my interest. Maybe it’s the fact I’m American and we obviously don’t have royalty. (Shout out to those reading this blog outside of the USA! :D ) Miss Rachel Hauck has written some fun novels for the “Royal Weddings” series (which I still haven’t posted my review of Book number one or two. *sigh*) and while the kisses got to be a bit much, the couple kissing were technically married. So it depends on what your opinion is of that. The Spiritual content at the end made my rating little higher. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this ebook for free from the Author for this review.
March 12, 2015
Princess stories, stories where the hero or heroine feels unworthy, and stories involving couples with a complicated past are just a few of my favorite topics in books. And my, oh my...How to Catch a Prince has all of this, and more!
The two main characters, Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton, just captured my heart right from the beginning. Corina is definitely a strong woman. She is someone who has had it all and lost nearly as much. She is still a very wealthy heiress, but part of her heart has never recovered from tragic events in her past. We get to know Corina both in the present, and in various small flashbacks throughout the story. These are some of my favorite portions of the book, as we see who Corina was during one of the most special times of her life...when she first knew Prince Stephen.
Speaking of Prince Stephen...I am so happy that he has his own story now and that it is such a great one! Since reading Once Upon a Prince, I have wanted to know his background. He is a deep and complicated character who is shouldering some huge burdens. This is a man who has loved large, given his all, and feels weighted down with unworthiness and guilt. Although I did not agree with every decision he made, I could understand where he was coming from and it made for such a great story.
How to Catch a Prince has many fun and lighthearted moments, as well as a deep storyline, and a beautiful earthly reconciliation and heavenly redemption theme. I loved it from start to finish and it goes into my "re-read" category for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at (and enter a royal giveaway ending 3/23/15):
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The two main characters, Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton, just captured my heart right from the beginning. Corina is definitely a strong woman. She is someone who has had it all and lost nearly as much. She is still a very wealthy heiress, but part of her heart has never recovered from tragic events in her past. We get to know Corina both in the present, and in various small flashbacks throughout the story. These are some of my favorite portions of the book, as we see who Corina was during one of the most special times of her life...when she first knew Prince Stephen.
Speaking of Prince Stephen...I am so happy that he has his own story now and that it is such a great one! Since reading Once Upon a Prince, I have wanted to know his background. He is a deep and complicated character who is shouldering some huge burdens. This is a man who has loved large, given his all, and feels weighted down with unworthiness and guilt. Although I did not agree with every decision he made, I could understand where he was coming from and it made for such a great story.
How to Catch a Prince has many fun and lighthearted moments, as well as a deep storyline, and a beautiful earthly reconciliation and heavenly redemption theme. I loved it from start to finish and it goes into my "re-read" category for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at (and enter a royal giveaway ending 3/23/15):
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
December 21, 2015
"How To Catch A Prince" by Rachel Hauck introduces us to Corina Del Rey, struggling to come out of mourning over her brother who died five years ago in war, and the subsequent dissolution of her marriage to Brighton's Prince Stephen. But when Stephen finds out their marriage was never properly annulled, he shows up in Corina's life again and awakens old feelings. Stephen never wanted to leave Corina, but felt he had no other choice because of the secret of how her brother died. But then Corina travels back to Cathedral City, and they must face their past as their secrets come to light.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
On the one hand, how can I not appreciate a good princess story? The story was interesting, and progressed nicely through the book. I thought the character growth was good, and the author has a way of transporting you into the places she describes. The scenery in this book was beautiful, the gowns were gorgeously described, and there were many romantic moments. The girl in me enjoyed it.
On the other hand, there were several things about the book that I didn't like.
When in Cathedral City, Corina ends up staying at "The Manor", an old inn that no one else seems to be able to see. The proprietors know things about her that they couldn't possibly know, and Corina just chalks it all up to God guiding her. If I were her, I would have been more suspicious.
The proprietor of the inn (who I am assuming is supposed to be some sort of angel?), makes a comment about how Jesus prays for Corina. That just doesn't make sense, biblically. Jesus did pray in John 17 for all future believers while he was here on earth, and He intercedes for us in Heaven now (Hebrews 7:25), but Jesus "praying" for us now? To whom would He be praying? Jesus is God, and the author even says that in the book, so I just didn't get that. Maybe she interprets "interceding" as "praying", but it's not the same thing. I didn't like the choice of words.
There was a reference to God interacting with Corina by "brushing her skin" or "tapping" her forehead, and I found that all very odd.
There were references to "auras", and I thought the characters' "encounters" with God were too mystical. In one scene God's presence is described as a "heavy, oily presence". I didn't like that. All of this adds up to a New-Age-y, mystical version of Christianity that I don't agree with.
In the discussion questions, the author says that to her, the proprietors of the inn symbolize God's interaction in our lives. I don't think that is sound. While there are some situations where I do believe God sends His angels to earth (there is that verse about entertaining angels in Hebrews 13:2), I don't think semi-creepy people who know way too much about our personal lives, who live in houses that no one can see and that suddenly disappear, are the way God interacts in our lives. Nor do I believe that we should be looking for God to guide us through brushes or taps that we feel on our skin. And though sometimes we might hear His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), the primary way He interacts with us now is much more simple, and perhaps less "romantic". He interacts with us through His written Word. He has told us everything we need to know to follow Him through the Bible, and that was one thing (that is generally rather important to Christians) that was never mentioned in this book.
And on a more frivolous note, I also thought Stephen's reasons for wanting to call the marriage off were selfish. He didn't want to be around Corina because she brought back painful memories, and while I can feel bad for the character's pain, that is not a good enough reason to break up a marriage. I don't feel like he really thought about Corina's feelings much throughout the book, except to assume she would feel the same way as he did if she knew the truth. He never even acknowledges the pain he put her through. He only really thought about his own pain. I don't think that is very princely.
Overall, even though the author might have been just trying to make the story a little more "magical", and even though I thought the plot by itself was interesting, I couldn't get past all the mystical nonsense. I don't really recommend this book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
March 15, 2016
My thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Let me please state before starting this review that I read the book that proceeded this one, "Once Upon a Prince" by the same author and liked it enough to give it 4.5 stars. This one had a sophomore slump, at least to me.
Warning: Rants and possibly spoilers follow.
If you like highly improbable characters of princes and heiresses, if you enjoy the "I have a secret that I am keeping from you for your own good...and so you won't hate me" plot, if you enjoy men full of guilt and God being shoved down your throat so fast and hard you bring up stuff you haven't eaten for years, then THIS is the book for you!
Ok, I may be a tad harsh here, contemporary romance isn't my genre, but this is such a flight of fancy, it should be labeled romantic fantasy. No elves and wizards and whatnot, but princes AND heiresses.
An heiress MC who buys a painting worth TEN MILLION DOLLARS that she GIVES to the male MC, (who is the prince of the title btw), to help remind him of the love they once shared. And the ten million dollars she spent wasn't even a drop in the bucket in the money her family had.
Dude, really? Is it too much to ask to have at least ONE main character that I can connect with?
And the prince spent waaaaay too much of the book, about 90% to be exact, feeling guilty over what happened to the heiress' brother and his part in it. And at 90%, we get his conversation with the bishop or something from the beginning of the book and we get IN YOUR FACE THEOLOGY and the prince's miraculous lifting of guilt, etc etc.
And don't even get me started on what the boss Gigi did to the heiress to make news. The heiress' father was all like, "We can OWN her. The paper is doing poorly, we can buy it and HIRE Gigi to do the job she is doing now." Awesome! She gets what's coming and it doesn't involve a lawsuit! That's thinking!
But no, the heiress is all, we must be forgiving.
HA! On what planet??? The Bible is VERY emphatic that actions have consequences. Yes, God is the ultimate judge, but why can't they buy the paper and make it thrive with Gigi in a place where she can work and not harm anyone else? To let her be free to hurt others isn't the right thing to do, IMHO.
So yeah, this book bothered me on multiple levels. I freely admit, I skipped from 29% to 87% and honestly, I don't think I missed a BIT of plot or story that was necessary for the ending of the book. I also stopped at 93%, because the last 7% was not going to change my view of this book in any way, shape or form.
If you like completely unrealistic characters, locations and tissue-thin plot, brain candy in other words (which is completely fine, sometimes you need a piece of fluff now and then), then this is for you. I was not in the right frame of mind to read this book right now.
One star.
Let me please state before starting this review that I read the book that proceeded this one, "Once Upon a Prince" by the same author and liked it enough to give it 4.5 stars. This one had a sophomore slump, at least to me.
Warning: Rants and possibly spoilers follow.
If you like highly improbable characters of princes and heiresses, if you enjoy the "I have a secret that I am keeping from you for your own good...and so you won't hate me" plot, if you enjoy men full of guilt and God being shoved down your throat so fast and hard you bring up stuff you haven't eaten for years, then THIS is the book for you!
Ok, I may be a tad harsh here, contemporary romance isn't my genre, but this is such a flight of fancy, it should be labeled romantic fantasy. No elves and wizards and whatnot, but princes AND heiresses.
An heiress MC who buys a painting worth TEN MILLION DOLLARS that she GIVES to the male MC, (who is the prince of the title btw), to help remind him of the love they once shared. And the ten million dollars she spent wasn't even a drop in the bucket in the money her family had.
Dude, really? Is it too much to ask to have at least ONE main character that I can connect with?
And the prince spent waaaaay too much of the book, about 90% to be exact, feeling guilty over what happened to the heiress' brother and his part in it. And at 90%, we get his conversation with the bishop or something from the beginning of the book and we get IN YOUR FACE THEOLOGY and the prince's miraculous lifting of guilt, etc etc.
And don't even get me started on what the boss Gigi did to the heiress to make news. The heiress' father was all like, "We can OWN her. The paper is doing poorly, we can buy it and HIRE Gigi to do the job she is doing now." Awesome! She gets what's coming and it doesn't involve a lawsuit! That's thinking!
But no, the heiress is all, we must be forgiving.
HA! On what planet??? The Bible is VERY emphatic that actions have consequences. Yes, God is the ultimate judge, but why can't they buy the paper and make it thrive with Gigi in a place where she can work and not harm anyone else? To let her be free to hurt others isn't the right thing to do, IMHO.
So yeah, this book bothered me on multiple levels. I freely admit, I skipped from 29% to 87% and honestly, I don't think I missed a BIT of plot or story that was necessary for the ending of the book. I also stopped at 93%, because the last 7% was not going to change my view of this book in any way, shape or form.
If you like completely unrealistic characters, locations and tissue-thin plot, brain candy in other words (which is completely fine, sometimes you need a piece of fluff now and then), then this is for you. I was not in the right frame of mind to read this book right now.
One star.
February 21, 2015
The finale in the Royal Weddings series tells a sweet love story...that actually began before all the others.
From the first line Corina Del Rey had me cheering for her. Still recovering from the grief of losing her twin brother, she launches back into work she loves. All the while harboring a secret only one other person in the world knows. Strong and determined to do what God wants her to do, Corina has no idea her whole life is about to change.
The only other person in the world who knows her secret soon shows up in her company's parking lot. Prince Stephen of Brighton needs Corina's help...but then she decides to ask for his help in finding out what really happened to her brother. And the adventure of secrets begins.
Rachel Hauck is a talented author; I became a fan when I read the first two in this series, inspired by the neat story of William and Kate of England. Brighton is a fictional kingdom set in Europe, but the people who populate these stories are very real.
Or are they? There are two characters in How to Catch a Prince who are quite mysterious. I'll let you meet them for yourself.
Suffice it to say, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a great spring read. Part fairy-tale, part contemporary love story complete with tragedy and sorrow, How to Catch a Prince carries the message of Love Well home in the capable hands of Rachel Hauck.
Corina and Stephen are people whose love story you will want to read.
Disclosure: I received this book from Litfuse to review.
From the first line Corina Del Rey had me cheering for her. Still recovering from the grief of losing her twin brother, she launches back into work she loves. All the while harboring a secret only one other person in the world knows. Strong and determined to do what God wants her to do, Corina has no idea her whole life is about to change.
The only other person in the world who knows her secret soon shows up in her company's parking lot. Prince Stephen of Brighton needs Corina's help...but then she decides to ask for his help in finding out what really happened to her brother. And the adventure of secrets begins.
Rachel Hauck is a talented author; I became a fan when I read the first two in this series, inspired by the neat story of William and Kate of England. Brighton is a fictional kingdom set in Europe, but the people who populate these stories are very real.
Or are they? There are two characters in How to Catch a Prince who are quite mysterious. I'll let you meet them for yourself.
Suffice it to say, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a great spring read. Part fairy-tale, part contemporary love story complete with tragedy and sorrow, How to Catch a Prince carries the message of Love Well home in the capable hands of Rachel Hauck.
Corina and Stephen are people whose love story you will want to read.
Disclosure: I received this book from Litfuse to review.
October 29, 2015
After loving the first two books in this series I was so excited to read this third one especially since it was about Stephen, whose character I really liked when reading the other books.
After having two heroines who were thrust into the world of opulence it was fun to have one who was quite used to and at home in the world of the rich. But I was very glad that she was down to earth about it all and didn't put on airs, the same was true of Stephen. Both of their characters were awesome and it was sweet to watch them as they realized they'd never stopped loving each other. Stephen was a bit bullheaded about it but at the same time I understood where he was coming from, and it was a beautiful moment when he finally broke.
I thoroughly enjoyed almost everything about this book and really the only thing I didn't love was the whole “heavenly help” bit with The Manor, Adelaide, and Brill. I'm not saying it couldn't happen it was just a little too far out of my comfort zone. That being said it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all and I would highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
After having two heroines who were thrust into the world of opulence it was fun to have one who was quite used to and at home in the world of the rich. But I was very glad that she was down to earth about it all and didn't put on airs, the same was true of Stephen. Both of their characters were awesome and it was sweet to watch them as they realized they'd never stopped loving each other. Stephen was a bit bullheaded about it but at the same time I understood where he was coming from, and it was a beautiful moment when he finally broke.
I thoroughly enjoyed almost everything about this book and really the only thing I didn't love was the whole “heavenly help” bit with The Manor, Adelaide, and Brill. I'm not saying it couldn't happen it was just a little too far out of my comfort zone. That being said it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book at all and I would highly recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 26, 2015
WOW WOW WOW WOW! Where to start? First, I have to confess I've always loved Rachel Hauck's books. To me she does what's so hard to do and rare to find in Christian romance and that is weave spiritual truths throughout an edifying, but still passionate, romance. When I read her books, the Holy Spirit speaks right to me as if I'm reading a devotional. Really. Don't miss any of her books. Now this book! It started out with me really disliking Stephen and his treatment of Corina. I mean, I'm mad at him for several chapters. Somewhere along the way I see his brokenness and even though I don't agree with his handling of it, I understand and grow to love the fool lol. Corina is such a sweet girl and "loves well". Classy and all that a princess should be. There's no fluff. There is truth and love in this book and can I tell you about the kisses?! WOW! Perfect! The ending had me crying again and again and it ended PERFECTLY! Magnificent! Read.this.book.
March 23, 2017
Torn between 4 and 5 stars. This series had an addictive quality to it, and I'll definitely be reading more from the same author. I really appreciated the raw,"real" feeling this book had, in the sense it didn't make out that our lives are perfect because we have decided to follow Christ, and showed the ups and downs along the way. While I still feel I probably enjoyed the first book in the series the most, this one has gotten a higher star rating from me for the added layer of depth . Absolutely recommend. I would also say as Christian fiction goes, this series is fairly accessible/enjoyable even if you aren't a believer.
March 3, 2015
American heiress Corina Del Ray has spent the last five years mourning the loss of her twin brother, Carlos, in Afghanistan. Now she’s working for online megapaper, the Beaumont News, and her boss assigns her to go to the kingdom of Brighton to attend a movie premier and interview the lead actor. She doesn’t want to go—she has history in Brighton, and with Prince Stephen …
I wanted to like How to Catch a Prince. After all, I read for enjoyment. However, I had two major issues. First, and most important, I simply couldn’t get into the imaginary kingdom the author has created. It’s not England, but has too many similarities with England to ignore—some of which make no sense, like the fact they play rugby, a game which wasn’t invented until 200 years after their independence from England. Why don’t they play Brightonian football?
There is a king who married a commoner (Wills and Kate, anyone?), a prince who spent time in the army (Harry?) and now plays rugby for his country (which sounds a lot like Zara’s husband. You know, Zara, Prince William's cousin?). Everyone in America seems to have visited or lived in Brighton at some points. Even the name Brighton is irritating, as it continually reminded me of the famous town on England’s south coast. And then there were the slightly magical elements, like the hotel only the hero and heroine could see.
My other issue was the language glitches. A movie premier. A prince being coronated. The King’s mother being called the Queen Mum. Bugger (we’re not allowed to use the f-word in Christian fiction, so why is the homosexual equivalent appropriate?). Every time I came close to becoming engrossed in the story, something would pull me out and remind me that it was all made up, an allegory.
The writing was okay. The characters were okay. The plot was okay. The Christian elements of the plot were, on average, okay (they ranged from being almost absent to too heavy-handed). But there were too many things pulling me out of the story, and “okay” wasn’t enough to overcome those issues. Overall, I had to force myself to finish How to Catch a Prince.
Thanks to Litfuse and Zondervan for providing a free ebook for review.
I wanted to like How to Catch a Prince. After all, I read for enjoyment. However, I had two major issues. First, and most important, I simply couldn’t get into the imaginary kingdom the author has created. It’s not England, but has too many similarities with England to ignore—some of which make no sense, like the fact they play rugby, a game which wasn’t invented until 200 years after their independence from England. Why don’t they play Brightonian football?
There is a king who married a commoner (Wills and Kate, anyone?), a prince who spent time in the army (Harry?) and now plays rugby for his country (which sounds a lot like Zara’s husband. You know, Zara, Prince William's cousin?). Everyone in America seems to have visited or lived in Brighton at some points. Even the name Brighton is irritating, as it continually reminded me of the famous town on England’s south coast. And then there were the slightly magical elements, like the hotel only the hero and heroine could see.
My other issue was the language glitches. A movie premier. A prince being coronated. The King’s mother being called the Queen Mum. Bugger (we’re not allowed to use the f-word in Christian fiction, so why is the homosexual equivalent appropriate?). Every time I came close to becoming engrossed in the story, something would pull me out and remind me that it was all made up, an allegory.
The writing was okay. The characters were okay. The plot was okay. The Christian elements of the plot were, on average, okay (they ranged from being almost absent to too heavy-handed). But there were too many things pulling me out of the story, and “okay” wasn’t enough to overcome those issues. Overall, I had to force myself to finish How to Catch a Prince.
Thanks to Litfuse and Zondervan for providing a free ebook for review.
December 31, 2015
An excellent conclusion to an absolutely fantastic series!
I admit, I have a soft spot for all things Royal. And I have loved this entire series. I have been looking forward to Prince Stephen's since I first met him in the first book Once Upon A Prince, and I have to say that I was not disappointed! Of course I loved Stephen, his story of believing himself unworthy, not only of anyone's love, but also unworthy of being alive, was incredibly moving. It touched my heart, especially when he finally opened his heart to Jesus. I think all believers have probably gone through a time where they have felt unworthy of God's love, I know I have and that part of the story resonated with me very deeply, and I think will be very relatable to readers. I also loved Corina, she and Stephen were perfect for each other, and I was cheering for them the whole way!
Every time I finish a Rachel Hauck novel, there is one thought that always goes through my mind: God works in divine, mysterious ways. This is so true in life, and I absolutely love the way this author illustrates it so beautifully in her books! Speaking of which, I loved Adelaide and Brill, they were two of my favorite characters in the whole series! I love this entire series soooo much, and while I was sad to see it end I also thought it was a perfect ending!
I don't want to risk spoiling anything so I will just say that I loved How to Catch a Prince, and I highly recommend it as well as the entire series! If you like stories about modern day princes and princesses, you should definitely treat yourself to the Royal Weddings Series!
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Book Look blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.
Above is my honest review, I was not required to write a positive review.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I admit, I have a soft spot for all things Royal. And I have loved this entire series. I have been looking forward to Prince Stephen's since I first met him in the first book Once Upon A Prince, and I have to say that I was not disappointed! Of course I loved Stephen, his story of believing himself unworthy, not only of anyone's love, but also unworthy of being alive, was incredibly moving. It touched my heart, especially when he finally opened his heart to Jesus. I think all believers have probably gone through a time where they have felt unworthy of God's love, I know I have and that part of the story resonated with me very deeply, and I think will be very relatable to readers. I also loved Corina, she and Stephen were perfect for each other, and I was cheering for them the whole way!
Every time I finish a Rachel Hauck novel, there is one thought that always goes through my mind: God works in divine, mysterious ways. This is so true in life, and I absolutely love the way this author illustrates it so beautifully in her books! Speaking of which, I loved Adelaide and Brill, they were two of my favorite characters in the whole series! I love this entire series soooo much, and while I was sad to see it end I also thought it was a perfect ending!
I don't want to risk spoiling anything so I will just say that I loved How to Catch a Prince, and I highly recommend it as well as the entire series! If you like stories about modern day princes and princesses, you should definitely treat yourself to the Royal Weddings Series!
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher via Book Look blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.
Above is my honest review, I was not required to write a positive review.
All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
February 26, 2015
American heiress Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton secretly married over five years ago, right before Stephen went to war in Afghanistan. But when Stephen returns home, broken and wounded, he gives Corina her freedom. Corina lost her twin brother in the same battle that Stephen was wounded in. At a time when she needs her husband the most, he is pushing her away. Hurt and confused, Corina returns home to Georgia and attempts to put her life back together. Until Stephen shows up very unexpectedly one day. Prince Stephen thought that his marriage was over. He's a star rugby player and the days of war and romance are behind him. When his brother, King Nathaniel discovers a document that Stephen thought was buried, he has no choice but to contact Corina. Will this pair find their happily ever after or will they say good-bye to the love they once shared?
I have adored every single book in this series. This one was no exception. I literally dropped everything to read it. I think it may very be my favorite of the series.
I loved how both Corina and Stephen were bound by the same grief yet needed each other to move on. Their entire romance was so sweet. I loved how they kept being thrown together to make things right. I think what I loved the most was Stephen's breaking point.
I was so happy when Corina finally learned the truth of what happened to her brother and that she was willing to forgive those involved. Those answers brought healing to her family as well.
This is a series that I highly recommend for anyone who loves fairy tales and happy endings.
I received this book for free from the Booklook Bloggers program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of happy endings, romance, Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, fairy tales
Rating - 5 stars
I have adored every single book in this series. This one was no exception. I literally dropped everything to read it. I think it may very be my favorite of the series.
I loved how both Corina and Stephen were bound by the same grief yet needed each other to move on. Their entire romance was so sweet. I loved how they kept being thrown together to make things right. I think what I loved the most was Stephen's breaking point.
I was so happy when Corina finally learned the truth of what happened to her brother and that she was willing to forgive those involved. Those answers brought healing to her family as well.
This is a series that I highly recommend for anyone who loves fairy tales and happy endings.
I received this book for free from the Booklook Bloggers program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of happy endings, romance, Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, fairy tales
Rating - 5 stars
March 20, 2015
Corina and Prince Stephen may have not seen each other in six years, but that doesn’t mean their relationship is over. When their marriage is discovered as still legal and binding, Prince Stephen is pushed to re-open the door to Corina. But, while his plans are to quickly and painlessly have annulment papers signed, God has a different plan. Will Corina and Stephen learn to trust their hearts or forever let the past hold them back?
I loved the flashbacks to Corina and Stephen’s relationship, giving the reader glimpses into their love story. Despite their circumstances, they had fallen in love and seized the moments they had together for all they were worth. In present day, Stephen’s secret has put a wall between them, and his refusal to share with Corina is a big part of this book.
At times, I did feel like the argument the couple had was becoming circular. I was ready for something to happen to move past said argument, and when it did, what a breakthrough! I enjoyed it so much more from that point on (I just wish it had happened a bit earlier in the book). With the secret revealed, progress in their relationship could finally happen.
Death, painful memories, and unanswered questions surround their relationship. Will they find a way to love one another? With a bit of whimsy, Rachel Hauck takes readers on this journey to love well.
Once Upon a Prince remains my favorite of the series, and I think this book will appeal to any reader who loves contemporary with heart and fairy tales.
*Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Originally posted on https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
I loved the flashbacks to Corina and Stephen’s relationship, giving the reader glimpses into their love story. Despite their circumstances, they had fallen in love and seized the moments they had together for all they were worth. In present day, Stephen’s secret has put a wall between them, and his refusal to share with Corina is a big part of this book.
At times, I did feel like the argument the couple had was becoming circular. I was ready for something to happen to move past said argument, and when it did, what a breakthrough! I enjoyed it so much more from that point on (I just wish it had happened a bit earlier in the book). With the secret revealed, progress in their relationship could finally happen.
Death, painful memories, and unanswered questions surround their relationship. Will they find a way to love one another? With a bit of whimsy, Rachel Hauck takes readers on this journey to love well.
Once Upon a Prince remains my favorite of the series, and I think this book will appeal to any reader who loves contemporary with heart and fairy tales.
*Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Originally posted on https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
March 6, 2015
An awesome, beautiful release from Hauck!
How to Catch a Prince is like watching your favorite chick flick on a rainy (or snowy, as the case may be) day. It's the kind of story that even if you think you see something coming, you read on to see how the characters will face the challenge. Why read on? Because there's a fair chance they'll mess up. We mess up too. That's why we like them so well. We can relate to them. This is but one of the many things about Hauck's latest release that had me glued to the pages. I wasn't always right in my "predictions", which isn't a bad thing. I was glad to watch Corina and Stephen both grow in their struggles.
Something I just recently became particular about in novels is a strong positive theme or message and Hauck accomplishes that in a lovely manner. Hmm, I don't want to spoil the beauty of it so I suppose I'll be vague. Honestly, I couldn't see the story without that element. It's weaved so carefully in with everything else it simply belongs. In addition, the theme itself is fresh when compared with novels I've read in the past. Is it in actuality all that new? No. But the presentation changes a lot.
All in all, I highly encourage you to check out How to Catch a Prince. You'll be in for a beautiful story with darling characters and a lovely theme. I didn't know I would enjoy the story as much as I did, but it definitely beats out Once Upon a Prince for my favorite in the series. If you love cute, endearing stories and characters this book will be a good fit for you. ;-)
I received an ebook copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!
How to Catch a Prince is like watching your favorite chick flick on a rainy (or snowy, as the case may be) day. It's the kind of story that even if you think you see something coming, you read on to see how the characters will face the challenge. Why read on? Because there's a fair chance they'll mess up. We mess up too. That's why we like them so well. We can relate to them. This is but one of the many things about Hauck's latest release that had me glued to the pages. I wasn't always right in my "predictions", which isn't a bad thing. I was glad to watch Corina and Stephen both grow in their struggles.
Something I just recently became particular about in novels is a strong positive theme or message and Hauck accomplishes that in a lovely manner. Hmm, I don't want to spoil the beauty of it so I suppose I'll be vague. Honestly, I couldn't see the story without that element. It's weaved so carefully in with everything else it simply belongs. In addition, the theme itself is fresh when compared with novels I've read in the past. Is it in actuality all that new? No. But the presentation changes a lot.
All in all, I highly encourage you to check out How to Catch a Prince. You'll be in for a beautiful story with darling characters and a lovely theme. I didn't know I would enjoy the story as much as I did, but it definitely beats out Once Upon a Prince for my favorite in the series. If you love cute, endearing stories and characters this book will be a good fit for you. ;-)
I received an ebook copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!
December 9, 2015
Good book. Fast-paced and sweet. I did not find any part of it boring. I am not really into reading books based on Faith but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed How to Catch a Prince.
I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in dark romance or erotica because that is not what it is about at all. I think it is a sweet love story and it is about a stubborn man who finally finds God through many trials. Don't quote me though because I am no expert in the matter.
Simply put-if you're looking for a light and uncomplicated love story then this is for you as long as you are alright with the numerous references about God and Faith.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review*
I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in dark romance or erotica because that is not what it is about at all. I think it is a sweet love story and it is about a stubborn man who finally finds God through many trials. Don't quote me though because I am no expert in the matter.
Simply put-if you're looking for a light and uncomplicated love story then this is for you as long as you are alright with the numerous references about God and Faith.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review*
December 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book as I have all the books in this series.
This book wasn't as light and fluffy as the other two in the series, but that was a good thing.
Regret and forgiveness aren't easy topics.
I loved both Stephen and Corina even though Stephen was a jerk at times. The author did a great job of showing why he was that way, so he was more of a wounded hero than someone who didn't deserve Corina.
Excellent book, fans of Christian fiction will love this one.
You don't have to read the books in order, but you'll know more of the backdrop of Stephen's country/family if you do.
I received this book in exchange for my opinion. My thoughts are my own.
This book wasn't as light and fluffy as the other two in the series, but that was a good thing.
Regret and forgiveness aren't easy topics.
I loved both Stephen and Corina even though Stephen was a jerk at times. The author did a great job of showing why he was that way, so he was more of a wounded hero than someone who didn't deserve Corina.
Excellent book, fans of Christian fiction will love this one.
You don't have to read the books in order, but you'll know more of the backdrop of Stephen's country/family if you do.
I received this book in exchange for my opinion. My thoughts are my own.
June 13, 2016
I wasn't really expecting this story to turn out like it did. It was very good, both poignant and reverent, but something felt a bit off. The characters were realistic, to a degree, but I had a hard time connecting to them. There were a few things that felt awkward to me, and it threw off the pacing of the book. I thought the religious aspect was a bit overdone in this story, especially at the end of the book. The author did note at the end of the book that she really struggled with the story in this, and it does show through to this reader. All in all, it was a good story, but the weakest book in the series for me.
March 10, 2015
Happy sigh...
This was the third (and I think final) book of the Royal Wedding Series. While the first of the series, Once Upon a Prince, was the strongest of the three, I found the third book of the series, How to Catch a Prince, to be delightful.
The main character, Corina, could have been developed a bit more, but other than that I found nothing lacking. I especially enjoyed The Manor and what its caretakers added to the story.
This was the third (and I think final) book of the Royal Wedding Series. While the first of the series, Once Upon a Prince, was the strongest of the three, I found the third book of the series, How to Catch a Prince, to be delightful.
The main character, Corina, could have been developed a bit more, but other than that I found nothing lacking. I especially enjoyed The Manor and what its caretakers added to the story.
January 20, 2019
Charming & inspirational! A Rachel Hauck story is magic &. not to be missed!
This book has beautiful writing, sympathetic, relatable characters, romance, faith-strengthening themes & fun.
This book has beautiful writing, sympathetic, relatable characters, romance, faith-strengthening themes & fun.
March 31, 2020
My favorite in the series!
May 29, 2021
Catching up on rating books from last two years. I love Rachel Hauck's bookstore This one was no exception. Great fairy tale romance.
February 22, 2016
The is the third book in the Royal Wedding Series and like the other two, this one is very good. Corina Del Rey is an heiress from Marietta, Georgia living in Melbourne, Florida and working with Beaumont Media, an online news organization started by Gigi Beaumont. Gigi is a pioneer in the field of online journalism and was determined to overcome her roots of growing up in poverty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corina's family and Gigi have been friends for years and Gigi gave Corina her first job out of college and now this job. Corina has been in a fog of mourning over the death of her twin brother, Carlos, who was in the military and died in Afghanistan over five years ago. In addition to living with her own pain, Corina has been trying to help her parents deal with their grief over the loss of their son. The job is now Corina's life line to living again. When Carlos deployed several years ago, he went to the kingdom of Brighton, near Britain before being deployed to Afghanistan. Corina, a graduate of the University of Georgia, went along with him to do some graduate work at Knoxton University in Cathedral City, Brighton. While on campus, she was pursued by Stephen Stratton, a prince in the kingdom. Corina didn't know him or that he was actually in the Royal Air Command and a friend of Carlos' at first. After a while, the two fell in love and married in the neighboring kingdom of Hessenberg by Archbishop Caldwell in a secret ceremony. The marriage was not legal by Brighton law although it is by the church and was a secret between Stephen, Corina and the archbishop. At the time, it was unlawful for a royal in line for the throne to marry a foreigner unless she or he is a royal. Stephen was to be deployed to Afghanistan in a few weeks as was Carlos and that is why the two got married quickly. Unfortunately, Carlos was killed as was everyone else in Stephen's unit except Stephen, who was injured in the same incident. Stephen returned to Brighton upset and under distress from the deaths of his mates and sent Corina away. He told her that he no longer loved her and wanted out of the marriage. He told her he would take care of dissolving the marriage by not filing the marriage certificate with the Court. Now five years later, not only dealing with her brother's death but also the death of a secret marriage that no one knows about, Corina is finally getting on with life. On the other side of the ocean, Stephen discovers that the marriage is still legal under the laws of the church when the certificate is found by another archbishop who shows it to King Nathaniel, Stephen's brother. The law has now changed so that a royal may marry whom he wishes even she is from another country. Stephen is unhappy about the situation because he still has survivor's guilt and can not see how he can be married to Corina, his friend's sister. He is trying to get on with his life and is a Rugby player, currently benched for an ankle injury. King Nathaniel demands that Stephen go to Florida to get Corina to sign annulment papers to dissolve the marriage. Corina refused to sign the papers unless Stephen can tell her why her brother died. The matter has been classified for the nation's security since it happened so Stephen told her he couldn't tell her any details. So they are at a stalemate when Stephen goes home. But the adventure really starts when Gigi sends Corina to Brighton Kingdom to cover a movie premiere portraying the life of the first Stephen, Stephen I and his wife Magdalena. Corina doesn't want to go but is led by prayer to believe that maybe her marriage is not over. She stills loves Stephen and hopes he loves her. Maybe she can use the trip to Brighton to win him back.
The journey to Brighton Kingdom and time there is like a walk of faith for Corina. Things happen that should make her turn around and go home but yet at just the right time, other things happen to let her know that she is on the right path set up by God. Sometimes our humanness tells us to give up on a situation but faith says no, keep going. A beautiful story that is more than just romantic love but also God's love instilled into those of us that have allowed Him into our heart. We are reminded that we are to love and give it to God so that His will be done and not ours. On another note, I also got a kick out of Corina's love of American football over Rugby, especially her love of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. I grew up in Georgia and am a graduate of UGA. Haha! Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors and I have read most all of her books. All have been great and spiritually uplifting as well. This is another winner!
The journey to Brighton Kingdom and time there is like a walk of faith for Corina. Things happen that should make her turn around and go home but yet at just the right time, other things happen to let her know that she is on the right path set up by God. Sometimes our humanness tells us to give up on a situation but faith says no, keep going. A beautiful story that is more than just romantic love but also God's love instilled into those of us that have allowed Him into our heart. We are reminded that we are to love and give it to God so that His will be done and not ours. On another note, I also got a kick out of Corina's love of American football over Rugby, especially her love of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. I grew up in Georgia and am a graduate of UGA. Haha! Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors and I have read most all of her books. All have been great and spiritually uplifting as well. This is another winner!
August 14, 2024
I'll round up to 2.5 stars for this third in the series.
Corina Del Ray is an American heiress and former Miss Georgia who is trying to live a normal life as a journalist in Florida.
Prince Stephen is the future Prince of a fictional but modern country. He's an army veteran suffering survivor's guilt and a professional rugby player as #2 to the throne.
They meet five years ago, secretly get married, then go their separate ways. After a long history and secrets, they are reconnected.
I know this is a modern "fairytale" series but these just seemed to get more mystical and supernatural as they went on. Almost a little over the top and yet attributing it to God and faith. Hmmm. Is God a genie in a bottle?
The narration was good.
Corina Del Ray is an American heiress and former Miss Georgia who is trying to live a normal life as a journalist in Florida.
Prince Stephen is the future Prince of a fictional but modern country. He's an army veteran suffering survivor's guilt and a professional rugby player as #2 to the throne.
They meet five years ago, secretly get married, then go their separate ways. After a long history and secrets, they are reconnected.
I know this is a modern "fairytale" series but these just seemed to get more mystical and supernatural as they went on. Almost a little over the top and yet attributing it to God and faith. Hmmm. Is God a genie in a bottle?
The narration was good.
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